Backyard Chickens in San Jose Mercury News

While most people don’t associate backyard chickens with city living, there’s a growing number of San Jose residents converting portions of their yards into coops to raise hens for fresh eggs.

A recent “chick sale” at Sam’s Downtown Feed and Pet Supply on West San Carlos Street attracted long lines, with people coming from as far as Hollister for a chance to pick out the perfect chicks to bring home.

“We’ve sold chickens for years, but in the past five years, we’ve sold more than we ever have,” said Lisa Blackford, who owns the feed store with her husband, Sam. “[Raising chickens] is just huge right now. This year, especially with the economy, our customers want to buy the chickens for the eggs.”